Ferrule housing for a golf cup

ABSTRACT

Ferrule housing is used to protect a golf cup from damage by a ferrule of a golf flagstick. The ferrule housing is sized to fit within an aperture at a bottom of the golf cup. The ferrule housing includes an internal geometry shaped to receive and hold the ferrule of the golf flagstick. An attachment mechanism secures the ferrule housing within the aperture.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a widely popular game. The main object of the game is to sink a golf ball into a golf cup. The player who does that with the fewest number of swings, wins. Each golf cup is sunken into the ground, making it difficult for the players to see from a distance. In order to offer direction to the players, a flag is posted above each golf cup. These flags are generally held in place by a flagstick which is removably affixed to the golf cup. The flag is attached to a first end of the flagstick, and a ferrule is attached to the distal end. The ferrule slides in and out of a receptacle within the golf cup. As the game progresses and the players come within range of the golf cup; the flagstick is pulled from the golf cup by hand and set aside. All the players complete that hole, and then the flagstick is returned to the golf cup. Over time, both the circumference of the ferrule and the circumference of the golf cup receptacle become worn as the players remove and return the flagstick to the golf cup. Friction and wear may increase dramatically if the player scores poorly on that hole.

The presence of dirt and sand escalates the diminution of both the ferrule and the golf cup. Said wear is also contributed to golf course maintenance. The golf cups are generally required to be relocated within the putting green on a daily basis. In order to do so, the flagstick must be removed and replaced thereby causing friction and wear. Flagsticks are also removed and replaced when the grass is mowed. In addition, wear also occurs from wind blowing against the flag. Wear to the ferrule and golf cup become evident as the flagstick becomes loose and begins to wobble or lean to one side. This leaning can easily misguide the players as to the location of the golf cup, and is therefore not acceptable. Even when the only wear on the golf cup is at the ferrule receptacle, the entire golf cup must be replaced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf cup, a flagstick, and a flag, in-use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of a golf cup of the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cutaway view of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a ferrule housing tool in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a ferrule housing tool in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a ferrule housing in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a ferrule housing in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an elevational sectional view of a ferrule housing in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of wear surfaces of a ferrule housing in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cutaway view of a flagstick and ferrule, which is removably affixed to a ferrule housing and a golf cup in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a ferrule housing sheath.

FIG. 11 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, a washer, and a nut.

FIG. 12 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup and a ferrule housing.

FIG. 13 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup and a ferrule housing.

FIG. 14 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a set screw.

FIG. 15 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a hitch clip pin.

FIG. 16 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a cotter pin.

FIG. 17 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a pull ring detent pin.

FIG. 18 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a clevis pin.

FIG. 19 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a clevis pin.

FIG. 20 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a golf cup, a ferrule housing, and a round lock pin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, whereby a flag 10 is affixed to a flagstick 11. Flagstick 11 is removably affixed to a golf cup 12 which is placed and positioned below ground surface 13. Here we see a player 14 putting a golf ball toward the golf cup. From this distance, the player will likely remove the flag on the following putt and attempt to sink the golf ball into the golf cup.

In FIG. 2, a perspective cutaway view of golf cup 12 of the prior art is shown. Golf cups are generally fabricated from a metal or a polymer, generally aluminum or PVC/ABS plastic, and are integrally formed as a single piece. The single piece golf cup 12 includes an outer wall 15, a surface 16, and a centrally located cylindrical aperture 17. In use, aperture 17 receives the body of a flagstick ferrule, and a lip of the ferrule rests against surface 16 thereby supporting the flagstick. The flagstick is generally removed while putting a golf ball into the golf cup, and then replaced. This action, along with wind blowing against the flag, and the presence of sand and dirt, causes the walls of aperture 17 to become worn. A wall that is worn down allows the ferrule to move freely, causing a greater amount of wear. Once the cylindrical aperture of a golf cup is worn to the extent that the flag tilts or leans to one side, the golf cup must be replaced.

In FIGS. 3 & 4, perspective cutaway views of a ferrule housing 20, a golf cup 30, and a ferrule housing tool 40 are shown. In FIG. 3, ferrule housing 20 has not yet been rotatably affixed to golf cup 30. Tool 40 is included to aid in the insertion and removal of ferrule housing 20 to and from golf cup 30. A greens keeper inserts ferrule housing 20 into golf cup 30 and manually turns male threads 21 of ferrule housing 20 into female threads 36 of golf cup 30, then continues to tighten ferrule housing 20 by inserting protuberances 42 of tool 40 into slots 28 of ferrule housing 20, turning ferrule housing tool 40 at handle 44 until completely tightened. FIG. 4 shows the ferrule housing 20 installed in golf cup 30 and demonstrates that in this position, surface area 23 of collar 22 is flush with surface area 34 of golf cup 30, and surface 26 of collar 22 is flush with surface 32 of golf cup 30. With the ferrule housing 20 installed, ferrule housing tool 40 may now be removed and the golf cup returned to use on the putting green. A worn ferrule housing can be replaced many times, thereby extending the life of the golf cup dramatically. The precise design style of the golf cup is beyond the scope of this invention. There are many design styles of golf cups, and virtually any style may be employed. In the preferred embodiment, golf cup 30 is manufactured for use with ferrule housing 20, but pre-existing golf cups may be modified as well in order to accommodate a ferrule housing.

In FIGS. 5 & 6, ferrule housing 20 is shown. When installed into the golf cup, male threads 21 screw into female threads within the golf cup, affixing ferrule housing 20 to the golf cup. At least one slot 28 is included in order to receive a tool for tightening and removing said ferrule housing 20. Surface area 23 of collar 22 comes in contact with a mating surface area of the golf cup, thereby preventing ferrule housing 20 from becoming inserted any farther. Once installed, surface 26 of collar 22 is generally flush with surface 32 of golf cup 30 as seen in FIG. 4. The internal geometry of the ferrule housing is sequentially shaped to receive the ferrule of a flagstick. When the ferrule of a flagstick is inserted into aperture 27 of ferrule housing 20, the ferrule generally mates with surfaces 24, 25 and 26 thereby holding the ferrule in a stationary yet removable position.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, surface areas 29 of ferrule housing 20 are shown as subject to wear. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along section line A-A of FIG. 6.

In FIG. 9, an in-use perspective cutaway view of ferrule housing 20, golf cup 30, ferrule 18, and flagstick 11 are shown. Ferrule housing 20 is rotatably affixed to golf cup 30. Flagstick ferrule 18 is easily inserted and removed from golf cup 30 by moving the flagstick in a vertical direction.

In FIG. 10, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment including ferrule housing 20, a ferrule housing sheath 210, and a golf cup 310 is shown. In this embodiment, ferrule housing sheath 210 is press-fit to golf cup 310, and ferrule housing 20 is rotatably affixed to ferrule housing sheath 210 via male threads 21 and female threads 202. When the usable life of the ferrule housing has been exhausted, it is replaced by unscrewing it from ferrule housing sheath 210. Ferrule housing sheath 210 remains affixed to golf cup 310 until the usable life of threads 202 have been exhausted, then may be replaced by using a bearing press, pipe and hammer, or the like.

In FIG. 11, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 220, a washer 221, a nut 222, and a golf cup 320. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 220 slides freely into aperture 321 until surface area 223 of collar 222 is flush with surface area 322 of golf cup 320. Key 324 of golf cup 320 is optionally provided to restrain ferrule housing 220 from rotating (coinciding keyway of ferrule housing 220 is not seen in this view). Once ferrule housing 220 is in place, washer 221 and nut 222 are applied to ferrule housing 220, locking it in place.

In FIG. 12, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 240 and a golf cup 340. In this embodiment, at least one protuberance 241 of ferrule housing 240 slides into at least one channel 341 of golf cup 340, and is then rotated such that protuberance 241 follows channel 341 into nest 342 as illustrated in 3-point directional diagram 343, thereby locking ferrule housing 240 in place. Optionally, the tool and slot method of FIG. 3 may be employed.

In FIG. 13, a perspective cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including a ferrule housing 270 and a cup 370. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 270 includes at least one tab 271 having a button 274. As ferrule housing 270 slides into aperture 371, button 274 brushes against the interior wall of the cylinder causing tab 271 to bow inward, thereby allowing ferrule housing 270 to pass into aperture 371. Once surface area 273 of collar 272 comes to rest upon surface area 372 of cup 370, the button 274 simultaneously projects into aperture 373 in the direction of 374, thereby locking ferrule housing 270 in place. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of button 274 and aperture 373. Ferrule housing 270 is removed by depressing at least one button 274, or by using a removal tool (not shown).

In FIG. 14, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment including a ferrule housing 280, a set screw 384, and a golf cup 380. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 280 slides into aperture 381 of golf cup 380. Golf cup 380 includes at least one threaded hole 383 for receiving set screw 384. Once surface area 283 of collar 282 comes to rest upon surface area 382 of golf cup 380, set screw 384 is tightened against the exterior wall of the ferrule housing 280, thereby locking ferrule housing 280 in place. Optionally, an indent 284 may be employed in order to offer set screw 384 a tighter clamping ability.

In FIG. 15, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 290, a hitch clip pin 295, and a golf cup 390. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 290 slides into aperture 391 of golf cup 390. Once surface area 293 of collar 292 comes to rest upon surface area 392 of golf cup 390, hitch clip pin 295 is inserted into hole 393, through hole 294, and out hole 394, thereby locking ferrule housing 290 in place. A passageway 395 is included to aid in the insertion of hitch clip pin 295. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of hole 294 to holes 393 and 394.

In FIG. 16, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment that includes a ferrule housing 400, a cotter pin 405, and a golf cup 500. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 400 slides into aperture 501 of golf cup 500. Once surface area 403 of collar 402 comes to rest upon surface area 502 of golf cup 500, cotter pin 405 is inserted into hole 503, through hole 404, and out hole 504. Distal ends 406 of cotter pin 405 protrude through hole 504 and may then be bent over or spread apart, thereby locking ferrule housing 400 in place. A passageway 505 is included to aid in the insertion of cotter pin 405. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of hole 404 to holes 503 and 504.

In FIG. 17, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 410, a pull ring detent pin 415, and a golf cup 510. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 410 slides into aperture 511 of golf cup 510. Once surface area 413 of collar 412 comes to rest upon surface area 512 of golf cup 510, pull ring detent pin 415 is inserted into hole 513, through hole 414, and out hole 514. The bearing 416 of pull ring detent pin 415 protrudes through hole 514, thereby locking ferrule housing 410 in place. A passageway 515 is included to aid in the insertion of pull ring detent pin 415. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of hole 414 to holes 513 and 514.

In FIG. 18, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 420, a clevis pin with hole 425, a hitch clip pin 427, and a golf cup 520. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 420 slides into aperture 521 of golf cup 520. Once surface area 423 of collar 422 comes to rest upon surface area 522 of golf cup 520, clevis pin with hole 425 is inserted into hole 523, through hole 424, and out hole 524. The hole 426 of clevis pin with hole 425 protrudes through hole 524. Hitch clip pin 427 is inserted through hole 426, thereby locking ferrule housing 420 in place. A passageway 525 is included to aid in the insertion of clevis pin with hole 425. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of hole 424 to holes 523 and 524.

In FIG. 19, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 430, a clevis pin with groove 435, a retainer ring (E-clip) 437, and a golf cup 530. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 430 slides into aperture 531 of golf cup 530. Once surface area 433 of collar 432 comes to rest upon surface area 532 of golf cup 530, clevis pin with groove 435 is inserted into hole 533, through hole 434, and out hole 534. The groove 436 of clevis pin with groove 435 protrudes through hole 534. Retainer ring 437 is applied to groove 436, thereby locking ferrule housing 430 in place. A passageway 535 is included to aid in the insertion of clevis pin with groove 435. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of hole 434 to holes 533 and 534.

In FIG. 20, a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment is shown that includes a ferrule housing 440, a round lock pin 445, and a golf cup 540. In this embodiment, ferrule housing 440 slides into aperture 541 of golf cup 540. Once surface area 443 of collar 442 comes to rest upon surface area 542 of golf cup 540, the body of round lock pin 445 is inserted into hole 543, through hole 444, and out hole 544. The distal end 446 of round lock pin 445 protrudes through hole 544. The loop 447 of clip 448 is pulled over distal end 446 of round lock pin 445, thereby locking ferrule housing 440 in place. A passageway 545 is included to aid in the insertion of round lock pin 445. Optionally, key and keyway as described in FIG. 11 may be employed in order to ease in the lining up of hole 444 to holes 543 and 544.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf cup, comprising: an outer wall that defines a receiving area for a golf ball; a bottom surface located at a bottom of the receiving area; an aperture in the bottom surface; a ferrule housing sized to fit within the aperture, the ferrule housing including an internal geometry shaped to receive and hold a ferrule of a golf flagstick; and, an attachment mechanism that secures the ferrule housing within the aperture, the attachment mechanism including a male threaded surface on an outside surface of the ferrule housing.
 2. A golf cup as in claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: a female threaded surface within the aperture.
 3. A golf cup as in claim 2, wherein the ferrule housing includes at least one slot on the outside surface, the at least one slot being shaped to receive a tool for tightening the ferrule housing within the aperture and for loosening the ferrule housing within the aperture.
 4. A golf cup as in claim 2 wherein the ferrule housing includes a collar that is flush with the bottom surface when the ferrule housing is secured within the aperture.
 5. A golf cup as in claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes: a ferrule housing sheath; an internal smooth surface within the aperture; an external smooth surface on an outside surface of the ferrule housing sheath; a female threaded surface within the ferrule housing sheath that allows the ferrule housing to be screwed into the ferrule housing sheath; wherein the external smooth surface is shaped to fit snugly within the internal smooth surface so that friction between the internal smooth surface and the external smooth surfaces secures the ferrule housing within the ferrule housing sheath.
 6. A golf cup as in claim 6, wherein the ferrule housing includes at least one slot on the outside surface, the at least one slot being shaped to receive a tool for tightening the ferrule housing within the ferrule housing sheath and for loosening the ferrule housing within the ferrule housing sheath.
 7. A golf cup as in claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: a nut located below the aperture that screws onto the male threaded surface to secure the ferrule housing within the aperture.
 8. A golf cup, comprising: an outer wall that defines a receiving area for a golf ball; a bottom surface located at a bottom of the receiving area; an aperture in the bottom surface; a ferrule housing sized to fit within the aperture, the ferrule housing including an internal geometry shaped to receive and hold a ferrule of a golf flagstick; and, an attachment mechanism that secures the ferrule housing within the aperture, the attachment mechanism including a pin that locks the ferrule housing within the ferrule.
 9. A golf cup as in claim 8, wherein the pin is a hitch clip pin and wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: two hitch clip pin holes located on the aperture; and two hitch clip pin holes located in the ferrule housing; wherein the hitch clip pin holes are located on the aperture and on the ferrule housing so when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the hitch clip pin can be placed through the two hitch clip pin holes located on the aperture and through the two hitch clip pin holes located in the ferrule housing to lock ferrule housing within the aperture.
 10. A golf cup as in claim 8, wherein the pin is a cotter pin and wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: two cotter pin holes located on the aperture; and two cotter pin holes located in the ferrule housing; wherein the cotter pin holes are located on the aperture and on the ferrule housing so when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the cotter pin can be placed through the two cotter pin holes located on the aperture and through the two cotter pin holes located in the ferrule housing to lock ferrule housing within the aperture.
 11. A golf cup as in claim 8, wherein the pin is a pull ring detent pin and wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: two pull ring detent pin holes located on the aperture; and two pull ring detent pin holes located in the ferrule housing; wherein the pull ring detent pin holes are located on the aperture and on the ferrule housing so when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the pull ring detent pin can be placed through the two pull ring detent pin holes located on the aperture and through the two pull ring detent pin holes located in the ferrule housing to lock ferrule housing within the aperture.
 12. A golf cup as in claim 8, wherein the pin is a clevis pin with a hole and wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: two clevis pin holes located on the aperture; and two clevis pin holes located in the ferrule housing; wherein the clevis pin holes are located on the aperture and on the ferrule housing so when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the clevis pin can be placed through the two clevis pin holes located on the aperture and through the two clevis pin holes located in the ferrule housing, the hitch clip pin being placed within the hole of the clevis pin to lock ferrule housing within the aperture.
 13. A golf cup as in claim 8, wherein the pin is a clevis pin with a groove and wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: a retainer ring; two clevis pin holes located on the aperture; and two clevis pin holes located in the ferrule housing; wherein the clevis pin holes are located on the aperture and on the ferrule housing so when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the clevis pin can be placed through the two clevis pin holes located on the aperture and through the two clevis pin holes located in the ferrule housing, the retainer ring being placed within the groove of the clevis pin to lock ferrule housing within the aperture.
 14. A golf cup as in claim 8, wherein the pin is a round lock pin with a hole and wherein the attachment mechanism additionally includes: two round lock pin holes located on the aperture; and two round lock pin holes located in the ferrule housing; wherein the round lock pin holes are located on the aperture and on the ferrule housing so when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the round lock pin can be placed through the two round lock pin holes located on the aperture and through the two round lock pin holes located in the ferrule housing to lock ferrule housing within the aperture.
 15. A device to protect a golf cup from damage by a ferrule of a golf flagstick, the device comprising: a ferrule housing sized to fit within an aperture at a bottom of the golf cup, the ferrule housing including an internal geometry shaped to receive and hold the ferrule of the golf flagstick; and, an attachment mechanism that secures the ferrule housing within the aperture, wherein the attachment mechanism includes: a channel within the aperture, and a protuberance on an outside surface of the ferrule housing, the protuberance being shaped to fit within the channel; wherein as the ferrule housing is placed within the aperture, the protuberance fits within the channel, and as the ferrule housing is guided deeper in the aperture, the ferrule housing is rotated so that the protuberance follows the channel and locks the ferrule housing within the aperture.
 16. A device to protect a golf cup from damage by a ferrule of a golf flagstick, the device comprising: a ferrule housing sized to fit within an aperture at a bottom of the golf cup, the ferrule housing including an internal geometry shaped to receive and hold the ferrule of the golf flagstick; and, an attachment mechanism that secures the ferrule housing within the aperture, the attachment mechanism including a tab with a button located on an outside surface of the ferrule housing so that the tab is compressed inward when the spring clip is passing through the aperture, and when the ferrule housing is flush with the bottom surface, the button is located at a button aperture within the aperture, wherein as the button is received by the button aperture, the tab springs open and locks ferrule housing within the aperture.
 17. A device to protect a golf cup from damage by a ferrule of a golf flagstick, the device comprising: a ferrule housing sized to fit within an aperture at a bottom of the golf cup, the ferrule housing including an internal geometry shaped to receive and hold the ferrule of the golf flagstick; and, an attachment mechanism that secures the ferrule housing within the aperture, wherein the attachment mechanism includes: a set screw hole located on a side of the aperture, and a set screw placed within the set screw hole, so that when the ferrule housing is within the aperture and flush with the bottom surface, the set screw can be screwed through the set screw hole to lock ferrule housing within the aperture. 